2023 MG4 electric car confirmed for Australia! Will this EV hatch keep MG ahead of emerging rival BYD?

Speaking to media at the launch of the 2023 MG ZS EV, MG’s Australian division revealed that the MG4 hatchback (also known as the MG Mulan in China) will be arriving in Australia in the first half of next year.

Confirmation of the MG4’s arrival was anticipated for some time as the brand has hinted at a Corolla-sized electric car frequently in the past, and the EV hatch has also been confirmed for the right-hand-drive market in the United Kingdom.

Launching in the UK in early 2023, the MG4 wears a pricetag which roughly translates to $44,750, however, it is notable that the MG ZS EV is significantly more affordable in Australia ($44,900 drive-away) than it is in the UK, where it starts from the equivalent of $51,000. If the trend continues the same way, the MG4 could be the new most affordable electric car in Australia by the middle of next year.

The MG4 is the first vehicle to launch on MG’s new dedicated ‘Nebula’ platform, with battery packs ranging from 51kWh (400km range), to roughly 600km range for the long-range 64kWh version.

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The MG4’s styling echoes that of the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID.3, both of which will be rivals in the Australian market. It will also go into battle against newcomers like the Cupra Born, and an as-yet-unnamed BYD hatchback expected to sit below the Atto 3 SUV.

The new platform allows the MG4 higher aspirations, with a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive model revealed in China sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Its motor outputs are said to be 330kW/600Nm. Meanwhile the lesser, rear-drive variants will have outputs of either 125kW or 150kW. Unlike the just-launched 2023 ZS EV, it will also employ a new battery architecture dubbed the ‘Magic Cube’ battery, which is designed to trim the thickness of individual cells and increase energy density.

This battery architecture is designed to be a rival to BYD’s cobalt-free ‘Blade Battery’ technology which provides similar packaging benefits.

New platform, new batteries, new interior, and new software are all highlights of the MG4.

The car also looks to debut a new interior design language for MG, with a new steering wheel, multimedia suite, and more open interior courtesy of its all-electric underpinnings.

If the ZS EV is anything to go by, you can also expect V2L capabilities as well as control via smartphone app, thanks to the new software stack.

MG’s Australian executives wouldn’t be drawn on their price aspirations or which rivals they may be targeting with the MG4 hatch, stating only that they will reveal more about the model’s Australian version early next year.

MG is now cemented in Australia’s top 10 automakers with popular models like the MG3 and MG ZS resonating well with consumers who are finding ever increasing prices of mainstream automakers less appealing. The original MG ZS electric SUV was the cheapest EV on sale in Australia at its launch and rose to popularity as the second best-selling EV in Australia in some months during its run.

The MG4 could vie for the title of Australia's most affordable electric car when it arrives next year.

The brand expects no supply issues for the new model, and for the most part has not been hamstrung by long waiting times or the need to cut equipment or variants from its line-up like many of its competitors.

MG says it is entering a new phase in Australia which will be heralded by new products, a new dealership experience (said to be the “biggest support package” for dealers from any manufacturer), and a new slogan, “Take Charge”.

The brand has also expanded into electric vehicle accessories, selling first-party home charging stations, available in either 7kW or 11kW forms.

While its rise in popularity is meteoric, MG is facing increased competition from other Chinese-backed brands like BYD with its affordable range of electric cars, and GWM which is yet to play in the electric space but could be the first brand to offer an electric ute in our market.

There will be much more to come from MG and its close rivals in the coming months, so stay tuned as we keep you updated with any new developments.